Few patterns in football combine the ability to attack multiple coverage categories with simplicity like the LEVELS combination. Because of our system's unique way of dialing up the thought process for the QB, we are able to apply ideas that not only put the defense in a bind, but feature the pattern we want as well. For us, we call the combination SPOT, which stands for SPEED IN W AN OUTSIDE 2 (referring to our route tree). Here is the teaching slide:

Above, one can see the easy application to a 3x1 set with the single receiver on a quick post/ deep slant. There are 2 things that are evident with this version: 1) the SPEED IN technique by the tagged receiver and 2) the LOCKED IN cut by the number #2, which fits into our backside rule - automatic IN if not tagged or told what to do.

Unlike different versions of the pattern, we lock the #2 receivers route in because it fits our rules, allows for a consistent stretch, and allows us to change up the thought process for the QB based on the read tag we give him.

The SPEED IN runner is told to get an inside release, and that his speed cut must allow him to cross the face of the inside LB.

Last spring we used 2 primary applications of SPOT: one from empty, that gave us a MAN/ZONE idea, and one that gave us a coverage beater.

​From EMPTY, we had a typical SMASH pattern to the 2 man surface. If the corner over #1 came up (man read), we could throw the & right away; if he bailed, we had a 3 man combo to scan into:

From 3x1, we gave our QB a 1 on 1 throw vs. a singled up corner (remember, our 9er read will treat some quarters concepts as single high), while giving the same 3 man combo vs. 2 high (with the boundary safety stating outside the hash). Here, we have a streak read (9 route) vs 1 high:​

SPOT was great for us last spring; we have a couple of new wrinkles we are adding this fall to increase the effectiveness even more.